University of Nairobi Has Fired Prof Kiama As VC For Mismanagement
After a contentious four years in office, the University of Nairobi has fired its troubled Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama.
Months before his contract was set to expire, the decision was made, ending a year-long leadership dispute that had shaken the organization. On January 5, 2025, Kiama’s term as vice chancellor was scheduled to expire.
The University Council, acting through its chairman, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, announced the termination on September 27.
An October 14 letter made the announcement public and stated that Kiama, who was named the university’s eighth vice-chancellor in January 2020, had been promptly informed of the reasons for the removal.
End of an era: University of Nairobi Council announces termination of Prof Stephen Kiama tenure as Vice Chancellor; says Prof Kiama ceased being VC on September 27. pic.twitter.com/4tc2Lv0Xvf
— Kenya West (@KinyanBoy) October 15, 2024
“Reference is made to the communique issued by the Council to the university community on August 2, 2024,” Anangwe stated in his letter.
“The Council wishes to inform the university community that Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama’s services as an employee of the University of Nairobi were terminated effective September 27, 2024.”
He added, “Reasons for his termination were promptly communicated to him. The university community should rest assured that whenever called upon, the Council will rise to the occasion and discharge its mandate faithfully and within the beacons of law.”
Kiama’s term has been fraught with controversy, including disagreements about his leadership style, management decisions, and regular clashes with the university’s governing council.
In August, the council suspended him for three months, citing continuing investigations and the need to strengthen the institution’s leadership.
However, the latest decision to permanently terminate his contract demonstrates the intensity of the internal conflict.
The council has appointed Prof. Margaret Hutchinson as acting Vice Chancellor, tasked with guiding the university through the leadership change.
The nomination comes after months of uncertainty, including a series of disagreements that began when Kiama unexpectedly returned from leave in September 2023 and moved to remove Prof. Julius Ogeng’o, who was temporarily acting in as Vice-Chancellor.
The leadership disagreement peaked in April 2024, when the council placed Kiama on leave and appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as acting Vice-Chancellor. Kiama, on the other hand, disputed the change, claiming that the direction was unofficial and that he remained the rightful Vice-Chancellor.
His intransigence exacerbated the leadership situation, causing the council to reissue the leave command in May, which Kiama again disregarded.
Behind the scenes, the power battle included not just university officials, but also government officials, who reportedly interfered to maintain Kiama in office at various points.
Despite his efforts to gain an extension of his term, university sources indicated that the council was unlikely to prolong it beyond its January 2025 expiration date.
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Students at the university have also been involved in the affair, protesting and accusing Kiama of mismanagement and poor service delivery.
Their complaints about decaying infrastructure and ineffective administration increased pressure on the council to act decisively.
The abrupt dismissal comes at a critical time for the university, which is facing financial issues and requests for governance reforms.
As the institution begins a new chapter under Hutchinson’s interim leadership, all eyes will be on how quickly it can regain stability and trust.
University of Nairobi Has Fired Prof Kiama As VC For Mismanagement
